Mount Read Boulevard Corridor Study

Study Purpose

To address key multi-modal safety, access and operational issues within a four-mile long segment of the Mount Read Boulevard corridor in the City of Rochester and Town of Greece.

Background

Built as an industrial bypass highway before the construction of the Route 390 expressway, Mount Read Boulevard is beginning to show its age. As NYSDOT, Monroe County, the City of Rochester and the Town of Greece begin to contemplate the long-term outlook, it is important that a corridor study be conducted to identify the full range of issues and opportunities present along the corridor and develop a vision for its future.

Mount Read continues to play a major role in the region’s economy as home to many large manufacturers including General Motors and Eastman Kodak, as well as small, growing firms such as Torvec and Arista Power. Further, the City continues to invest in brownfield redevelopment projects along the corridor, such as is currently underway at the former Photech site. It is crucial that the needs of the goods producing industries and other employers along the corridor are not only served, but enhanced.

However, Mount Read Boulevard also cuts through multiple long-established urban and suburban neighborhoods. In addition to the well-known industrial areas, the corridor is home to roughly 15,000 residents within one-quarter mile, as well as numerous small businesses, parks and schools. The needs of the residential community must be taken into consideration in balance with those of regional mobility and goods movement.

Accordingly, a number of key corridor issues have been identified by NYSDOT, County, City and Town staff, including traffic safety and operational concerns at signalized intersections with service roads and crossing arterials, bicycle/pedestrian conditions including poor sidewalk connectivity and lack of bicycle accommodations, the condition of and operations at the Buffalo Road traffic circle, accessibility of businesses along the service roads and traffic congestion at Lyell Avenue.